Share this article

It comes less than a week after Harriet was spotted with Cate Blanchette's 50-year-old director husband Andrew Upton, with an onlooker telling New Idea: 'They seemed very close'.

But the affectionate display was, as Upton has since confirmed the two have been friends for years.

Supportive: Patrick was quick to comment on the cryptic post by writing the message (pictured in December 2015)

'They seemed very close': The Love Child star (pictured) was spotted getting close to Cate Blanchett's husband Andrew Upton during a night out at a Sydney bar recently

An insider apparently told New Idea: 'At one point they were holding hands and he had his arm around her,' they described of the outing, where they were joined by others, who were playing pool at the time.

The insider claims the pair, who have worked together through Sydney Theatre Company, were never far from each other and engaged in 'close conversation' and were quite affectionate.

It's claimed after Andrew walked away from Harriet at one point, she pulled him back in close.

'He had his arm around her': The 50-year-old husband of Cate Blanchett was seen with his arm around the blonde actress (Pictured Cate and Andrew at the 2005 Golden Globes)

However, the incident was completely innocent and Upton has since denied that their closeness is anything but friendship.

The duo were also seen leaving the bar together but hailed separate taxis and when asked, Andrew confirmed: 'We've been friends for years. She's a good friend'.

Daily Mail Australia has approached the pair for comment.

The father-of-four recently moved with his family to Los Angeles, as Cate continues to dominate in Hollywood.

Meanwhile, Harriet was dating Australian actor Ben Lawson until late last year, when they split after their long distance relationship didn't work out.

Moving Stateside: The father-of-four recently moved with his family to Los Angeles, as Cate continues to dominate in Hollywood